Overture

This is a piece of instrumental music composed as an introduction to an opera, oratorio or other dramatic work, though it may be performed independently. Certainly the most recognizable overture of all time is Rossini’s William Tell Overture, which was brilliantly used as the theme for the 1950s TV show, “The Lone Ranger.” A close second would be Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, originally performed in 1882 and which is sometimes performed today using real cannons!